The Surprising Benefits Of Growing Watermelon Vertically

There is nothing more satisfying than slicing open a watermelon that came straight from your own garden — especially on a hot summer day. It's one of those simple joys of the season: Cold, juicy, and full of flavor that store-bought melons just can't match. But if you've ever tried growing watermelon, you know how quickly they can take over your garden. That's where growing them vertically can have real benefits.

Training your watermelon to grow vertically instead of horizontally can have some amazing practical perks. First, you'll get better airflow around the plant, which can prevent common diseases like powdery mildew and fungal rot. When the vines are up off the ground they dry out faster after watering or rain, reducing the chances of disease. Keeping it up off the ground also reduces the chances of bugs or other critters from taste testing your fruit before you do.

Another huge plus? Equal sun exposure. Vines trained on a trellis get more equal light, which will help your melons ripen fully and achieve that delicious, sweet flavor you're looking for. And because the fruit hangs in the air instead of on the ground, you're more likely to have an unblemished melon when it comes time to harvest. Using a trellis for your melons is also great for those who need a renter-friendly solution to no-garden watermelon growing.

If you have decided to start growing your watermelon vertically, there are two things you need to consider: getting a solid structure and choosing the right variety of watermelon. There are many types of watermelons you can grow in your backyard. But for vertical growing, smaller varieties of watermelon like 'Sugar Baby' or 'Golden Midget' are perfect because they are less likely to damage the vine when suspended. Once you've picked your seeds you'll need a sturdy trellis — something made from wood, cattle panels, or metal fencing works best. It should be tall and secure, able to support the vines and the full weight of your watermelons. A-frame or arch trellises work well because they more evenly distribute the weight of the plants.

As your watermelons begin to grow it's important to train them to grow up the trellis. When they start to grow upward, tie the vines gently to the trellis with garden ties or soft pieces of fabric. You'll want to check them every few days to help them stay on track climbing the trellis. When the fruit begins to form, you can create little slings for them from old t-shirts or mesh bags to help relieve the pressure from the vine.

Vertical watermelon plants also need regular care to stay healthy. Because they are more exposed, they dry out faster. That's why it's essential to follow deep watering methods for a thriving and sweet watermelon garden. A layer of straw around the base of the plants will also help them retain moisture and keep the roots cool on hot summer days. With a few adjustments, and proper care even small garden spaces can produce juicy, pest-free watermelons.